Employee Spotlight: Meet Dale Condon

Dale Condon, FTAAAD IT Manager

In the world of community service, we often focus on the frontline—the dedicated individuals working directly with communities, families, and seniors. But behind every successful program at our offices is a digital backbone that keeps everything moving. For over two decades, that backbone has been Dale Condon, IT Manager for the FTAAAD Division of the First Tennessee Development District.

Originally from Miami, Florida, Dale’s family relocated to Jonesborough when he was 11 years old. After high school, he pursued his interest in technology at Northeast State Community College, graduating in 1993 with a degree in Computer Engineering. On March 16, 2001, Dale joined the FTDD team—a move sparked by a tip from a friend about an IT opening. What started as a job application turned into a 25-year career defined by growth, service, and technical evolution.

Every IT professional has their "defining moment," and for Dale, it arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world shifted overnight, Dale was tasked with the monumental challenge of transitioning the entire organization to a remote work environment. By implementing Microsoft 365 and a modernized phone system, Dale ensured that the District's mission didn't skip a beat. Today, his work remains invisible in the best way possible: staff can work effectively from anywhere, and the community members they serve receive seamless support, often never realizing the team is working remotely.

If you ask Dale’s coworkers what makes him a vital part of the team, they won't just talk about servers or software. They’ll tell you about his unfailing helpfulness and his deep well of knowledge. But perhaps most importantly, Dale is known for making work fun. He brings a sense of camaraderie and lightheartedness to the office, proving that even the most difficult and stressful days can benefit from a bit of humor and a positive spirit.

"My behind-the-scenes work enables frontline staff to better serve individuals and families throughout the community," Dale says. "That support is both meaningful and motivating."

Dale’s approach to work is balanced by a profound appreciation for life outside the office—a perspective shaped by his father’s advice to "enjoy life while I can. It is advice that did not sink in at the time, but with age comes the realization that life is fragile, fleeting, and meant to be cherished."

When he isn't troubleshooting systems, you might find him with a guitar in his hands or planning his next cruise, fulfilling a lifelong goal to see the world. His ideal weekend blends these simple pleasures: fishing, working in the yard on a beautiful day, and cheering on his grandchildren at their baseball games, or whatever sport they are passionate about at the time.

Dale Condon’s career is a testament to the idea that IT is, at its core, a form of community service. By managing the technical complexities, he empowers his colleagues to focus on

what truly matters: helping the people of Northeast Tennessee. We are proud to have Dale’s steady hand, technical skill, and infectious positivity guiding our systems and our team.